spasm

spasm

noun \ˈspa-zəm\

Definition of SPASM

1

: an involuntary and abnormal muscular contraction

2

: a sudden violent and temporary effort, emotion, or sensation <a spasm of creativity> <spasms of pain>

— spasm intransitive verb

Examples of SPASM

1. a disease that causes muscle spasms
2. He was racked with coughing spasms.
3. She was suffering spasms of guilt.

Origin of SPASM

Middle English spasme, from Anglo-French espasme, from Latin spasmus, from Greek spasmos, from span to draw, pull

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SPASM

Synonyms: charley horse, crick, kink, ¹cramp

Related Words: contraction, jerk, pang, stitch, twinge, twitch

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with SPASM

plasm